Summer 2015

Well no surprise here, I haven't been doing a very good job of keeping up with our blog.  I guess I know I'm really behind when Jesse starts reminding me to post updates.  This summer has been crazy busy! Jesse has been gone for most of it; I think he's probably only been home for 2-3 weeks total.  Everyone seems to be pretty burnt out, but fortunately the squadron has been issued a (much needed and deserved) two week leave block for the last two weeks in September.  One more week of separation and it's time for vacation!

We didn't do anything too crazy exciting this summer, but we did get in a lot of fun. I think we spent most weekends either at the beach, the river, or the park.  Fletcher doesn't have issues with sand the way that I do, so he's pretty content to roll around it in all afternoon.  His favorite activities are still eating rocks and dancing, but he has also recently learned to jump, which can be pretty entertaining (his feet don't actually leave the ground).  He has also spent the summer developing a love for shoes.  It's even better if he's already wearing shoes, and then finds a pair of ours to put on over top.

The kid is pretty fun, but with his new developments in personality have also come temper tantrums, meltdowns, and "no!". I have definitely started having days of wanting to pull out my hair and scream, but I know the terrible moment will eventually pass and he'll be my sweet boy again (even if only momentarily).  Solo parenting all summer hasn't made it any easier, and it definitely makes me miss Jesse much more when he's gone.  Parenting is a lot easier and more enjoyable with a partner!  The general consensus in our unit seems to be that little boys are just different, and that with the sweet snuggles you also get your favorite stuff thrown in the toilet, rocks in your sheets, and dirt...everywhere.

Anywho, the summer flew by, and I'm finding it hard to believe that we're halfway through September already. Fletcher and I had a great summer, but we missed Jesse terribly and are looking forward to a relaxing family break.

Tokyo

                                   

Better late than never? We met up with the Pughs over Memorial Day weekend and took a trip to Tokyo.  It was awesome! We decided to take the shin instead of flying, but next time I think we'll fly.  It only took about five hours to get there, but it's a challenge to get a one year old to sit still for that long. We took many walks up and down the aisle to meet new friends. The good thing about the shin is that we arrived right at the subway station, and were able to take the subway right to the apartment that we rented.  Flying would have actually taken a lot longer. We were even able to drop off our luggage at the apartment, walk around, and grab lunch and drinks before the Pughs arrived.  

                                               

                                               

                                               

We stayed in a neighborhood next to Roppongi (party district), and it was absolutely beautiful. Cute stores, great bars, and restaurants lined the cobblestone streets.  It was great fun for us, and super kid friendly for Fletcher and Teddy. 

 

Later that evening, we walked over to the Tokyo Tower. It was pretty neat-o and quite tall. It was just like any other tower you'd visit in a large city. 

Unfortunately, after two months, I can no longer remember the names of the places we visited. We spent the following day exploring and eating. It was nice to be able to walk around and find food and drinks that we really miss and can't get in Iwakuni. We also found a thrift store that had lots of donated 80s style American clothing. I'm pretty sure the Japanese think this is a current trend. 

These are photos of us standing in the middle of the busiest intersection in the world. Since it was about 9am on a Sunday, it wasn't so busy. But I can see how rush hour during a weekday could be quite hectic.

The rest of the day was spent walking, eating, and exploring. We found a great park, Harajuku street, and lots of shopping! 

The morning of our last day, we ventured out to the Tokyo Fish Market. We thought it would be really impressive since it's in Tokyo, but we think the market in Shimonoseki is much better.  There weren't anywhere near as many vendors or sushi options.  We did end up getting fresh wasabi root and a real wasabi grater.  

                                               

It was another amazing Japanese adventure, shared with great friends!